Radio-frequency receiver and integrated circuit for use in receiver

ABSTRACT

A radio-frequency (RF) receiver includes an input terminal for receiving RF signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, a first tuned filter allowing a signal of a passing frequency in the RF signal in the first frequency band to pass through the filter, a local oscillator, a frequency divider for frequency-dividing a signal output from the local oscillator, a first mixer operable to convert the signal output from the first tuned filter into a signal of an intermediate frequency, a second tuned filter allowing a signal of a passing frequency of the RF signal in the second frequency band to pass through the filter, a second mixer operable to convert the signal output from the second tuned filter into a signal of the intermediate frequency, and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit operable to control an oscillation frequency of the local oscillator and the passing frequencies of the first tuned filter and the second tuned filter.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a radio-frequency receiver, such as atelevision tuner, and an integrated circuit for use in theradio-frequency receiver.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a conventional radio-frequency (RF)receiver. An RF signal having a frequency ranging from 55.25 MHz to801.25 MHz is input to an input terminal 1. A single-tuned filter 2 isimplemented by a signal variable capacitance diode and receives the RFsignal input to the input terminal 1. The single-tuned filter 2 has atuning frequency varying within a UHF band (367.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz) inresponse to a tuning voltage input to a frequency variable port 2 a.

An RF amplifier 3 amplifies a signal of the UHF band output from thesingle-tuned filter 2. An output of the RF amplifier 3 is connected to adouble-tuned filter 4 composed of two variable capacitance diodes andhaving a tuning frequency varying in response to a tuning voltagesupplied to a frequency variable port 4 a.

A signal output from the double-tuned filter 4 is supplied to one inputport of a mixer 5. The other input port of the mixer 5 receives a signaloutput from a local oscillator 6 via a frequency divider 7. The mixer 5mixes the UHF signal from the double-tuned filter 4 with an oscillationsignal from the local oscillator 6 to convert the signal output from thedouble-tuned filter 4 into an intermediate-frequency signal at 45.75MHz. An intermediate-frequency filter 8 is connected to an output portof the mixer 5 to attenuate undesired components of a signal outside ofits range of 6 MHz. A signal output from the intermediate-frequencyfilter 8 is then amplified by an intermediate-frequency amplifier andoutput from an output terminal 9.

The single-tuned filter 2, the RF amplifier 3, the double-tuned filter4, the mixer 5, and the intermediate-frequency filter 8 constitute anUHF signal receiver section 10.

A VHF signal receiver section 11 receives signals of a VHF band from55.25 MHz to 361.25 MHz through the input terminal 1, and composed of asingle-tuned filer 12, an RF amplifier 13, a double-tuned filter 14, anda mixer 15.

The single tuned filter 12 is composed of a single variable capacitancediode and has a tuning frequency varying in response to a tuning voltagesupplied to a frequency variable port 12 a. The RF amplifier 13amplifies a signal at the VHF band output from the single-tuned filter12.

The double-tuned filter 14 is connected to an output port of the RFamplifier 13 and composed of two variable capacitance diodes and has atuning frequency varying in response to a tuning voltage supplied to afrequency variable port 14 a. The mixer 15 has one input port receivinga signal output from the double-tuned filter 14 and has the other inputport receiving a signal output from the local oscillator 6 via afrequency divider 16. The mixer 15 mixes the VHF signal passing throughthe double-tuned filter 14 with the oscillation signal from the localoscillator 6 to convert the VHF signal from the double-tuned filter 14into an intermediate-frequency signal at 45.75 MHz. A signal output fromthe mixer 15 is transmitted to an input port of theintermediate-frequency filter 8.

A tuning section 18 is connected between input ports 17 a and 17 b of anoscillator 17. The tuning section 18 includes a series assembly 21including a variable capacitance diode 19 and a capacitor 20 connectedin series with each other and an inductor 22 connected in parallel withthe series assembly 21.

The output port of the oscillator 18 is connected to an input port of aphase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit 23. The PLL circuit 23 supplies tuningvoltages from an output port 23 a to the variable capacitance diode 19in the tuning section 18 and variable capacitance diodes in thesingle-tuned filter 2, the double-tuned filter 4, the single-tunedfilter 12, and the double-tuned filter 14 for controlling theoscillation frequency of the local oscillator 6 and the tuningfrequencies of the single-tuned filter 2, the double-tuned filter 4, thesingle-tuned filter 12, and the double-tuned filter 14.

In the conventional receiver, the mixers 5 and 15 outputintermediate-frequency signals at 45.75 MHz. This requires frequenciesof signals passing through the single-tuned filters 2 and 12 and thedouble-tuned filters 4 and 14 to be separated by the range of theintermediate-frequency (45.75 MHz) from the frequencies of the signalsoutput from the frequency dividers 7 and 16.

Such conventional receiver receives a wide frequency range from the VHFband to the UHF band with the single local oscillator 6. It is hence noteasy to separate the frequencies of signals passing through thesingle-tuned filters 2 and 12 and the double-tuned filters 4 and 14 bythe range of the intermediate frequency from the frequency of thesignals output from the frequency dividers 7 and 16. Accordingly, thepassing frequencies of the tuned filters may shift from a receivingchannel, hence reducing attenuation of any interference signal. As aresult, an interference signal may be received directly by the mixers 5and 15, hence causing image interruption.

Conventional RF receivers similar to the receiver explained above aredisclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos.2000-295539,2002-118795, and 1-265688.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A radio-frequency (RF) receiver includes an input terminal for receivingRF signals in a first frequency band and a second frequency band lowerthan the first frequency band, a first tuned filter allowing a signal ofa passing frequency in the RF signal in the first frequency band to passthrough the filter, a local oscillator, a frequency divider forfrequency-dividing a signal output from the local oscillator, a firstmixer operable to convert the signal output from the first tuned filterinto a signal of an intermediate frequency, a second tuned filterallowing a signal of a passing frequency of the RF signal in the secondfrequency band to pass through the filter, a second mixer operable toconvert the signal output from the second tuned filter into a signal ofthe intermediate frequency, and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuitoperable to control an oscillation frequency of the local oscillator andthe passing frequencies of the first tuned filter and the second tunedfilter. The signal output from the frequency divider contains a firstoutput signal and a second output signal different in phase by 90degrees from the first output signal. The second mixer includes a thirdmixer operable to mix the signal output from the second tuned filterwith the first output signal of the frequency divider, a first phaseshifter operable to shift a signal output from the third mixer in phaseby 90 degrees, and a fourth mixer operable to mix the signal output fromthe second tuned filter with the second output signal of the frequencydivider. A signal output from the fourth mixer and a signal output fromthe first phase shifter are output from an output terminal.

The RF receiver reduces image interfering components of the secondfrequency band which may inevitably cause image interference sinceincluding an image-rejection mixer in the second frequency band.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a radio-frequency (RF) receiver accordingto Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a tuned filter for receiving signals in aUHF band of the RF receiver according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a tuned filter for receiving signal in aVHF band of the RF receiver according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a frequency divider and mixers of the RFreceiver according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates signals in the RF receiver according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an RF receiver according to ExemplaryEmbodiment 2 of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of a frequency divider and mixers ofthe RF receiver according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an RF receiver according to ExemplaryEmbodiment 3 of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a frequency divider and mixers of the RFreceiver according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates signals in the RF receiver according to Embodiment3.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a frequency divider and mixers of an RFreceiver according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a conventional RF receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(Exemplary Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a radio-frequency (RF) receiver accordingto Exemplary Embodiment 1 of the present invention. An RF signal rangingfrom 55.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz is received at an input terminal 51. Asingle-tuned filter 52 is connected to the input terminal 51 andimplemented by a signal variable capacitance diode and has a tuningfrequency variable within an UHF band from 367.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz inresponse to a tuning voltage supplied to a frequency variable port 52 a.

An RF amplifier 53 amplifies a signal output of the UHF band output fromthe single-tuned filter 52. The radio-frequency amplifier 53 has anoutput port connected to a double-tuned filter 54 which is composed bytwo variable capacitance diodes and has a tuning frequency variable inresponse to a tuning voltage supplied to a frequency variable port 54 a.

A mixer 55 has one input port for receiving a signal output from thedouble-tuned filter 54 and has other input port for receiving a signaloutput from a local oscillator 56. The mixer 55 mixes the UHF signalpassing through the double-tuned filter 54 with an oscillation signaloutput from the local oscillator 56 to convert the signal output fromthe double-tuned filter 54 into an intermediate-frequency signal at45.75 MHz. A signal output from the mixer 55 is supplied transferred viaan output port 79 to an intermediate-frequency filter 58. Theintermediate-frequency filter 58 is attenuates undesired components inthe signal outside of a range of 6 MHz. A signal output from theintermediate-frequency filter 58 is amplified by anintermediate-frequency amplifier 58A and supplied to an output terminal59.

The single-tuned filter 52, the RF amplifier 53, the double-tuned filter54, the mixer 55, and the intermediate-frequency filter 58 constitute aUHF signal receiver section 60.

A VHF signal receiver section 61 receives signals in a VHF band from55.25 MHz to 361.25 MHz through the input terminal 51 and is composed ofa single-tuned filer 62, an RF amplifier 63, a double-tuned filter 64,and a mixer 65 connected in this order.

The single-tuned filter 62 is composed of a single variable capacitancediode and has a tuning frequency variable in response to a tuningvoltage supplied to a frequency variable port 62 a. The RF amplifier 63amplifies a signal in the VHF band output from the single-tuned filter62.

The double-tuned filter 64 is connected to the output port of the RFamplifier 63 and composed of two variable capacitance diodes and has atuning frequency variable in response to a tuning voltage supplied to afrequency variable port 64 a.

The mixer 65 has one input port for receiving a signal output from thedouble-tuned filter 64 and has other input port for receiving a signaloutput from the local oscillator 56 via a frequency divider 66. Themixer 65 mixes the VHF signal passing through the double-tuned filter 64with the oscillation signal output from the local oscillator 56 convertthe VHF signal output from the double-tuned filter 64 into anintermediate-frequency signal (at 45.75 MHz). A signal output from themixer 65 is then transmitted via the output port 79 to theintermediate-frequency filter 58.

The frequency divider 66 includes a frequency divider 66 a used forreceiving signals in a VHF low band and a frequency divider 66 b usedfor receiving signals in a VHF high band. Switches 67 a, 67 b, and 67 cswitches signals output from the local oscillator 56 and the frequencydividers 66 a and 66 b to selectively supply the signals to the mixers55 and 65.

The local oscillator 56 includes a tuning section 56A composed of aseries assembly including a variable capacitance diode 69 and acapacitor 70 connected in series with each other and an inductor 68connected in parallel with the series assembly, an oscillator section 71connected to both end of the series connected assembly, and anoscillation frequency adjuster 56B connected in parallel with the tuningsection 56A and having an output port connected to the oscillatorsection 71.

The oscillation frequency adjuster section 56B includes capacitors 72and 73 which are connected in parallel with the variable capacitancediode 69, switches 74 a and 74 b connected to the capacitors 72 and 73,respectively, capacitors 75 and 76 connected in parallel with thecapacitor 70, and switches 77 b and 77 a connected to the capacitors 75and 76, respectively.

The capacitors 72 and 73 are switched with the switches 74 a and 74 bwhile the capacitors 75 and 76 are switched with the switches 77 a and77 b.

More particularly, upon the switches 74 and 77 operating, a capacitanceof the capacitor connected in series with the variable capacitance diode69 and a capacitance of the capacitor connected in parallel with thevariable capacitance diode 69 can be changed. Accordingly, a tuningfrequency of the tuning section 56A and the oscillation frequency of thelocal oscillator 56 can be changed. That is, the switches 74 and 77operate as a capacitance adjuster section to change capacitances ofcapacitors connected to tuning section 56A.

The inductor 68 is connected in series with a variable capacitancediode, hence increasing a frequency range of the oscillation signal.

The oscillation signal output from the local oscillator 56 is divided bythe frequency dividers 57 and 66 and supplied to a phase-locked-loop(PLL) circuit 78. The PLL circuit 78 supplies tuning voltages to thevariable capacitance diode 69 as well as variable capacitance diodes 82,84, 86, 89, 96, 98, 102, and 107 (shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) in thesingle-tuned filter 52, the double-tuned filter 54, the single-tunedfilter 62, and the double-tuned filter 64.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the single-tuned filter 52 and thedouble-tuned filter 54 in the UHF signal receiver section 60 accordingto Embodiment 1.

The variable capacitance diode 82 is connected in series with aninductor 81 and has a cathode connected to one end of an inductor 83.The other end of the inductor 83 is connected to a cathode of thevariable capacitance diode 84. An anode of the variable capacitancediode 84 is coupled to a ground via a capacitor 84A. The frequencyvariable port 52 a of the single tuned filter 52 is connected via aresistor 84B to the cathodes of the variable capacitance diodes 82 and84, and receives the tuning voltage from the PLL circuit 78.

The single-tuned filter 52 is composed of the inductor 81, the variablecapacitance diode 82, the inductor 83, and the variable capacitancediode 84. The single-tuned filter 52 has respective capacitances of thevariable capacitance diodes 82 and 84 varying in response to the tuningvoltage supplied to the frequency variable port 52 a, thus determiningthe tuning frequency. In the single-tuned filter 52 of Embodiment 1,values of components are determined for allowing signals in the UHF bandto pass through the filter.

The double-tuned filter 54 is composed of the variable capacitance diode86, an inductor 87 connected in parallel with the variable capacitancediode 86, an inductor 88 inductively coupled to the inductor 87, and thevariable capacitance diode 89 connected in parallel with the inductor88. The frequency variable ports 54 a and 54 b of the double-tunedfilter 54 are connected to cathodes of the variable capacitance diodes86 and 89, respectively, for receiving the tuning voltage supplied fromthe PLL circuit 78.

In the double-tuned filter 54, capacitances of the variable capacitancediodes 86 and 89 change in response to the tuning voltage supplied tothe frequency variable ports 54 a and 54 b, respectively, thusdetermining the tuning frequency.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the single-tuned filter 62 and thedouble-tuned filter 64 in the VHF signal receiver section 61 ofEmbodiment 1.

The single-tuned filter 62 is composed of inductors 91, 92, 93, and 94,a switch 95, the variable capacitance diode 96, an inductor 97, and thevariable capacitance diode 98. The inductors 91 and 92 are connected inseries with each other at a node 99 while the inductors 93 and 94 areconnected in series with each other at a node 100. The switch 95 isconnected between the node 100 and a node 101 provided between theinductor 92 and an anode of the variable capacitance diode 96. A cathodeof the variable capacitance diode 96 is connected to one end of theinductor 97. The variable capacitance diode 98 is connected between theother end of the inductor 97 and the ground.

The frequency variable port 62 a of the single-tuned filter 62 isconnected to the cathode of the variable capacitance diode 98 andreceives the tuning voltage supplied from the PLL circuit 78. In thesingle-tuned filter 62, capacitances of the variable capacitance diodes96 and 98 are changed in response to the tuning voltage supplied to thefrequency variable port 62 a, thus determining the tuning frequency.According to Embodiment 1, in the single-tuned filter 62, values ofcomponents are determined to allow signals in the VHF band to passthrough the filter.

The double-tuned filter 64 is composed of the variable capacitance diode102 connected between an input port 64A and the ground, a seriesassembly including inductors 103 and 104 connected in series with eachother and connected in parallel with the variable capacitance diode 102,and a switch 108 connected in parallel with the inductor 104. Inductors105 and 106 inductively coupled with the inductors 103 and 104,respectively, are connected in series with each other. The seriesassembly of the inductors 105 and 106 is connected in parallel with thevariable capacitance diode 107.

The frequency variable port 64 a for receiving the tuning voltagesupplied from the PLL circuit 78 is connected to cathodes of thevariable capacitance diodes 102 and 107 via resistors 102A and 107A,respectively. In the double-tuned filter 64, capacitances of thevariable capacitance diodes 102 and 107 are changed in response to thetuning voltage supplied to the frequency variable port 64 a, thusdetermining the tuning frequency of the filter.

An operation of the RF signal receiver Embodiment 1 for receiving atelevision (TV) signal composed of signals in the UHF band and the VHFband assigned directly beneath the UHF band will be described.

For receiving the signal in the UHF band of the TV signal, the switch 67a is turned on while the switches 74 a, 74 b, 77 a, and 77 b are turnedoff.

For receiving the signal in a VHF high band of the VHF band, i.e., thehigher part in the VHF band, the switches 74 a and 77 a are turned onwhile the switches 74 b and 77 b are turned off. Simultaneously, in theswitch 67, the switch 67 b is turned on for connecting an output port ofthe frequency divider 66 a while the switches 95, 108, and 109 areturned on.

For receiving the signal in a VHF low band of the VHF band lower thanthe VHF high band, the switches 74 b and 77 b are turned on while theswitches 74 a and 77 a are turned off. Simultaneously, the switch 67 cis turned on while the switches 95, 108, and 109 are turned off.

The RF amplifier 53 is activated for receiving the signal in the UHFband while the RF amplifier 63 is activated for receiving the signal inthe VHF band. The RF amplifier for receiving a signal not to be receivedis not activated, and the signal passing through the tuned filter 52 or62 is not supplied to the mixer 55 or 65. Only an RF signal in afrequency band to be received is converted into anintermediate-frequency signal.

In the local oscillator 56 according to Embodiment 1, the inductor 68has an inductance of 20 nH, and the capacitor 70 has a capacitance of 22pF. The variable capacitance diode 69 has a capacitance varying from 31pF to 2.7 pF.according to a change of a voltage supplied between bothends of the diode from 2V to 25V.

The local oscillator 56 can generate an oscillation frequency rangingfrom 350 MHz to 850 MHz for receiving the signal in the UHF band,ranging from 358 MHz to 814 MHz for receiving the signal in the VHF highband, and ranging from 404 MHz to 692 MHz for receiving the signal inthe VHF low band.

For receiving signals in the UHF band, the oscillation frequencygenerated by the local oscillator 56 is supplied to the mixer 55 as itis, and the mixer 55 generates an intermediate-frequency signal of 45.75MHz. For receiving signals in the VHF high band, the oscillationfrequency generated by the local oscillator 56 is divided to ½ of thefrequency by the frequency divider 66 a and then transmitted to themixer 65, and the mixer 65 generates an intermediate-frequency signal of45.75 MHz. For receiving signals of the VHF low band in the NTSC system,the oscillation frequency generated by the local oscillator 56 isdivided into ¼ by the frequency divider 66 b, and then transmitted tothe mixer 65, and the mixer generates an intermediate-frequency signalof 45.75 MHz.

It is essential that the tuning voltage supplied to the local oscillatoris determined to be substantially equal to the tuning voltages suppliedto the single-tuned filters 52 and 62 and the double-tuned filters 54and 64 for receiving the signals in all frequency bands. Moreparticularly, the single-tuned filters 52 and 62 and the double-tunedfilters 54 and 64 preferably have characteristics of the frequencies tothe tuning voltages similar to each other in all the frequency bands.For allowing the mixers 55 and 65 to generate the intermediate-frequencysignals, the local oscillator 56 and the frequency dividers generatesignals having frequencies higher by a range of the intermediatefrequency than the tuning frequencies of the single-tuned filters 52 and62 and the double-tuned filters 54 and 64. This is one of the mostfundamental factors for RF receivers to receive RF signals.

Accordingly, the RF receiver of Embodiment 1 can receive all thechannels of the television system in the USA ranging from the VHF lowband to the UHF band, i.e., from 55.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz.

According to Embodiment 1, the capacitors 72, 73, 75, and 76 areswitched with the switches 74 and 77 to slightly change capacitances inthe tuning section 56A of the local oscillator 56, thus providingdesired characteristics of the oscillation frequency optimum for eachfrequency band against the tuning voltage with the oscillator.

Upon one of the switches 74 a and 74 b being turned on, the capacitor 72or 73 is connected in parallel with the variable capacitance diode 69. Asmaller capacitance of the variable capacitance diode 69 causes thecapacitance of the variable capacitance diode 69 to contribute less tothe oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 56. As a result, ahigh oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 56 which correspondsto a small capacitance of the variable capacitance diode 69 can bechanged.

One of the switches 77 a and 77 b is turned on, and capacitor 75 or 76is connected in parallel with the capacitor 70. This arrangement reducesa capacitance connected in series with the variable capacitance diode69, thus increasing the contribution of the capacitance of the variablecapacitance diode 69 to the oscillation frequency of the localoscillator 56. As a result, a changeable range of the oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator 56 corresponding to a changeable rangein the tuning voltage can be changed.

Upon the capacitors 72, 73, 75, and 76 having appropriate capacitances,the relationship between the frequency and the tuning voltage can bedetermined independently for the UHF band, the VHF high band, and theVHF low band of broadcasting systems.

Upon the capacitors 72, 73, 75, and 76 having appropriate capacitances,the relationship between the frequency and the tuning voltage for thelocal Oscillator 56 is made similar to the relationship between thetuning frequency and the tuning voltages for the single-tuned filters 52and 62 and the double-tuned filters 54 and 64 Accordingly, the RFreceiver of Embodiment 1 can receive all the channels of the televisionsystem in the U.S. ranging from the VHF low band to the UHF band, i.e.,from 55.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz.

In the RF receiver of Embodiment 1, the variable capacitance diodes 69,84, 86, 89, 98, 102, and 107 have characteristics of changes ofcapacitances substantially equal to each other. This allows thecharacteristics of the frequencies against the tuning voltages of thesingle-tuned filters 52 and 62, the double-tuned filters 54 and 64, andthe tuning section 56A of the local oscillator 56 to be easily madesimilar to each other.

Since the VHF band, particularly the VHF high band, requires largechanges of the capacitances in relation to the tuning voltages, thevariable capacitance diodes 69, 84, 86, 89, 102, and 107 havecapacitance-tuning voltage characteristics substantially equal to thatof the variable capacitance diode 98 which determines the tuningfrequency of the single-tuned filter 62 for the VHF band. As a result,all the variable capacitance diodes 69, 84, 86, 89, 98, 102, and 107 canbe employ diodes of a single type, thus being controlled easily andeliminating errors during mounting.

The frequency divider 66 and the mixer 65 of Embodiment 1 will beexplained in more detail. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of thefrequency divider 66 and the mixer 65.

The local oscillator 56 is implemented by a balancing circuit whichoutputs two signals different in phase by 180 degrees from each other.

A ½ frequency divider 201 divides a frequency of a signal output fromthe local oscillator 56 into ½. A signal output from the ½ frequencydivider 201 is supplied via a switch 67 to vector adders 202 and 203.Two output ports 201 a of output ports of the ½ frequency divider 201are connected to common ports 204 c of a switch 204, and output ports204 a of the switch 204 are connected to input ports 67 b of the switch67.

Output ports 204 b of the switch 204 are connected to a ½ frequencydivider 205, and four output ports of the divider 205 are connected tothe input ports 67 c of the switch 67.

The ½ frequency divider 205 receives two signals output from the twooutput ports 201 a of the ½ frequency divider 201 which are different inphase by 180 degrees from each other, and outputs four signals differentin phase by 90 degrees from each other.

Limiters 206 and 207 regulate signals output from the vector adders 202and 203 to predetermined levels, and transfers them to the mixer 65.

The mixer 65 includes a mixer 65 a, a 90-degree phase shifter 65 cconnected to an output port 65 d of the mixer 65 a, and a mixer 65 bconnected in parallel with a series assembly having the mixer 65 a andthe phase shifter 65 c connected in series with each other.

The mixer 65 a has one input port connected to the output port 64 b ofthe double tuned filter 64 and has other input port connected to theoutput port of the limiter 206. Similarly, the mixer 65 b has one inputport connected to the output port 64 b of the double-tuned filter 64 andhas other input port connected to an output port of the limiter 207.Output ports of the mixer 65 a and the 90-degree phase shifter 65 c arethen connected to the output terminal 79.

For receiving a signal in the VHF high band, the switch 204 connects thecommon ports 204 c to the output ports 204 a, respectively, while theswitch 67 connects common ports 67 m to output ports 67 b, respectively.For receiving a signal in the VHF low band, the switch 204 connectscommon port 204 c to ports 204 b, respectively, while the switch 67connects common ports 67 m to ports 67 c, respectively. Then, the ½frequency divider 205 is connected between the ½ frequency divider 201and the vector adders 202 and 203 for dividing the frequency of thesignal output from the local oscillator 56 into ¼.

Operations of the frequency dividers 201 and 205 and the vector adders202 and 203 of Embodiment 1 will be explained in more detail. FIG. 5 isa time chart of signals in the receiver of Embodiment 1. The localoscillator 56 outputs a signal 1001 and a signal 1002 different in phaseby 180 degrees from the signal 1001. The divider 201 receiving thesignals 1001 and 1002, and outputs signals 1003, 1004, 1005, and 1006different in phase by 90 degrees from each other.

The frequency divider 205 receives the signals 1005 and 1006, andoutputs signals 1007, 1008, 1009, and 1010 different in phase by 90degrees from each other.

The vector adder 202 combines signals having respective phases of 0degree and 90 degrees, and generates a signal having a phase of 45degrees, and further combines signals having respective phases of 180degrees and 270 degrees, and generates a signal having a phase of 225degrees. The vector adder 203 combines the signals having respectivephases of 90 degrees and 180 degrees, and generates a signal having aphase of 135 degrees, and further combines the signals having respectivephases of 0 degree and 270 degrees, and generates a signal having aphase of 315 degrees. That is, each of the vector adders 202 and 203generates the signals different in phase by 90 degrees from each other.

The ½ frequency dividers 201 and 205 of Embodiment 1 are implemented bysimple flip-flop circuits and can easily be installed in an integratedcircuit.

Even if the frequency dividers 201 and 205 produce phase errors, thevector adders 202 and 203 and the limiters 206 and 207 steadily providethe signals different in phase by 90 degrees from each other. Thisstructure provides an image-rejection mixer which provides signalshaving accurate phase relationship are obtained throughout a wide rangeof frequencies, and which suppresses image interference signalcomponent.

The above structure allows the local oscillation signal to be generatedonly by the frequency divider 66 dividing the signal output from thelocal oscillator 56, thus providing the image rejection mixer having asmall circuit arrangement.

According to Embodiment 1, the frequency divider 205 receives thesignals 1005 and 1006, however may receive the signals 1003 and 1004.Even in the latter case, the signals 1011, 1012, 1013, and 1014different in phase by 90 degrees from each other are provided. Thefrequency divider 205, upon receiving signals different in phase by 180degrees from each other, outputs the four output signals different inphase by 90 degrees from each other.

The image rejection mixer is employed only as the mixer 65, henceallowing the RF receiver to have a simple circuit arrangement and tohave a small size and a low cost.

The image rejection mixer suppresses an image interference component,hence allowing the single-tuned filter 62 and the double-tuned filter 64to have a small attenuation for the image interference signal component.This mixer allows the double-tuned filter 64 to be replaced by, forexample, a low-pass filter having a cutoff frequency which can beswitched between the highest frequency in the VHF high band forreceiving signals in the VHF low band and the highest frequency in theVHF low band for receiving signals in the VHF high band.

The local oscillator 56 includes an oscillation frequency adjustersection for changing the frequency of the oscillation signal in responseto a frequency band to be received and according to the frequencycharacteristics of the single-tuned filter 62 and the double-tunedfilter 64. This increases a varying range of the oscillation frequencyof the local oscillator 56 according to the tuning voltage. As a result,the RF receiver of Embodiment 1 can receive a signal even if the UHFband and the VHF band are continuous.

The oscillation frequency adjuster section changes the oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator 56 in response to the frequency bandto be received and according to the frequency characteristics of thesingle-tuned filter 62 and the double-tuned filter 64. Hence, the centerfrequencies in passing ranges of the single-tuned filter 62 and thedouble-tuned filter 63 can be determined to be substantially equal tothe frequency of the desired channel of the signal. Accordingly, thesingle-tuned filter 62 and the double-tuned filter 64 suppress undesiredinterference components of the signal, thus reducing image interference.

According to Embodiment 1, the oscillator 71, the switches 74 and 77,the frequency dividers 57 and 66, the mixers 55 and 65, and the PLLcircuit 78 are integrated in a single package 2001 as an integratedcircuit. This arrangement reduces the overall size of the RF receiver.

The integrated circuit has ports 121 and 122 connected to respectiveones of both ends of the inductor 68, a port 123 connected to thecapacitor 72, a port 124 connected to the capacitor 73, a port 125connected to the capacitor 75, and a port 126 connected to the capacitor76. The ports 123, 124, 125, and 126 are located between the ports 121and 122. The ports 123 and 124 are located adjacent to the port 122while the ports 125 and 126 are located adjacent to the port 121. Thisarrangement allows the tuning section 56A including the variablecapacitance diode 69, the inductor 68, the capacitor 70, the capacitor72, the capacitor 73, the capacitor 75, and the capacitor 76 to beconnected by a short distance to the ports 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, and126 of the integrated circuit 1001, thus eliminating unnecessarycapacitance and inductance and contributing to high quality of design.

In the RF receiver of Embodiment 1, when the input signal is in the VHFhigh band, a dividing ratio of the frequency divider 66 is determined tobe ½ while the oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 56 isdetermined to range substantially from 360 MHz to 820 MHz. Accordingly,the RF receiver can receive all the channels of the VHS high band.

In the radio-frequency receiver of Embodiment 1, when the input signalis in the VHF low band, the dividing ratio of the frequency divider 66is determined to be ¼ while the oscillation frequency of the localoscillator 56 is determined to range substantially from 400 MHz to 700MHz. Accordingly, the RF receiver can receive all the channels of theVHS low band of an NTSC format.

Further, in the RF receiver of Embodiment 1, when the input signal is inthe VHF low band, the dividing ratio of the frequency divider 66 may bedetermined to be ⅕ while the oscillation frequency of the localoscillator 56 is determined to range substantially from 400 MHz to 900MHz. This allows the RF receiver to receive all the channels of the VHSlow band of a PAL format.

In the RF receiver of Embodiment 1, when the input signal is in the VHFband, the signal output from the frequency divider 56 may be supplied tothe PLL circuit 78. This arrangement allows the PLL circuit 78 to accepttuning data of desired broadcast signals identical to that of awidely-marketed RF receiver which includes local oscillatorscorresponding to broadcast frequency bands, respectively.

(Exemplary Embodiment 2)

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a radio-frequency (RF) receiver accordingto Exemplary Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The same componentsas those of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals and will be explained in no more detail.

A local oscillator 356 generates a signal having a frequency rangingfrom 700 MHz to 1700 MHz, which is twice greater than that of the localoscillator 56 of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1. The local oscillator 356includes an inductor 368 and a variable capacitance diode 369 togenerate the signal of the oscillation frequency ranging from 700 MHz to1700 MHz. Upon capacitances of capacitors 372, 373, 375, and 376 beingdetermined appropriately, characteristics of frequency changes againsttuning voltages of the single-tuned filters 52 and 62 and thedouble-tuned filters 54 and 64 are made similar to each other, so thattheir passing frequency is differentiated by a range of anintermediate-frequency signal (45.75 MHz) from the oscillation frequencyof the local oscillator 356.

According to Embodiment 2, a mixer 355 also operates as an imagerejection mixer. A frequency divider 366 a has a dividing ratio of ¼while a frequency divider 366 b has a dividing ratio of ⅛. A frequencydivider 357 and a switch 67 a are connected between the local oscillator356 and the mixer 355. Signals output from the mixers 355 and 365 aresupplied via an output port 79 to an intermediate-frequency filter 58.

An operation of the frequency dividers 357 and 366 and the mixers 355and 365 will be explained. FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of thedividers and mixers of Embodiment 2. In FIG. 7, the same components asthose of Embodiment 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 are dented by the samereference numerals and will be explained in no more detail.

As shown in FIG. 7, a mixer 355 a has one input port connected to anoutput port 54 b of the double tuned filter 54 and has other input portconnected to an output of a limiter 206. A mixer 355 b has one inputport connected to an output port 54 b of the double-tuned filter 54 andhas other input port connected to an output of a limiter 207. The mixer355 b has an output port 355 d connected to a 90-degree phase shifter355 c. The mixer 355 a is connected in parallel with a series assemblyhaving the mixer 355 b and the 90-degree phase shifter 355 c connectedin series with each other. The output port 355 d of the mixer 355 a andan output port of the 90-degree phase shifter 355 c are connected to theoutput port 79.

A mixer 365 a has one input port connected to an output port 64 b of thedouble-tuned filter 64 and has other input port connected to an outputof a limiter 206. A mixer 365 b has one input port connected to outputport 64 b of the double-tuned filter 64 and has other input port of alimiter 207. The mixer 365 b has an output port 365 d connected to a90-degree phase shifter 365 c. The mixer 365 a is connected in parallelwith a series assembly having the mixer 365 b and the 90-degree phaseshifter 365 c connected in series with each other. The output port 365 dof the mixer 365 a and the output port of the 90-degree phase shifter365 c are connected with the output port 79.

According to Embodiment 2, a switch 67 has three input ports and onecommon port. The common port of the switch 67 is connected to inputports of vector adders 202 and 203. A ½ frequency divider 402 isconnected between a port 67 a of the switch 67 and the local oscillator356 and divides a frequency of a signal output from the local oscillator356 into ½ and outputs four signals different in phase 90 degrees.

Two output ports 402 a of the frequency divider 402 are connected tocommon ports 401 c of a switch 401, and ports 401 a of the switch 402are connected to ports 67 a of the switch 67. Other ports 401 b of theswitch 401 are connected to input ports of the ½ frequency divider 201.The frequency divider 402 outputs two signals having phases of 0 degreeand 180 degrees, respectively, from output ports 402 a. The frequencydivider 201 may receive signals different in phase by 180 degrees fromeach other. Signals having phases of 90 degrees and 270 degrees,respectively may be supplied to the divider 201 from the divider 402.

For receiving signals in a UHF band, the switch 401 connects the commonports 401 c to the ports 401 a while the switch 67 connects common ports67 m to ports 67 a. This allows the vector adders 202 and 203 to receivea signal having ½ the frequency of the oscillation signal of the localoscillator 356.

For receiving signals in a VHF high band, the switch 401 connects commonports 401 c to ports 401 b while the switch 67 connects common ports 67m to ports 67 b. The switch 204 connects common ports 204 c to port 204a. This allows the ½ frequency dividers 402 and 201 to be connectedbetween the local oscillator 356 and the vector adders 202 and 203.Accordingly, each of the vector adders 202 and 203 receives a signalhaving ¼ the frequency of the oscillation signal of the local oscillator356.

For receiving signals in a VHF low band, the switch 401 connects commonports 401 c to ports 401 b while the switch 67 connects common ports 67m to ports 67 c. The switch 204 connects common ports 204 c to ports 204b. This allows the ½ frequency dividers 402, 201, and 205 to beconnected between the local oscillator 356 and the vector adders 202 and203. Accordingly, each of the vector adders 202 and 203 can receive asignal having ⅛ the frequency of the oscillation signal from the localoscillator 356.

The above described arrangement allows each of the vector adders 202 and203 to receive four signals different in phase by 90 degrees from eachother regardless of a frequency band to be received. For receiving asignal in the UHF band, the mixers 355 a and 355 b and the 90-degreephase shifter 355 c mix the signal with signals output from the vectoradders 202 and 203. This arrangement provides an image rejection mixerwith a UHF band receiver section, the RF receiver of Embodiment 2 cansuppress image interfering components in the UHF band.

The RF receiver of Embodiment 2 includes the image rejection mixers forsuppressing image interfering components in at both the VHF band and theUHF band, hence allowing the single-tuned filter 52 and the double-tunedfilter 54 to have a small attenuation for signals causing imageinterfering. Accordingly, the double-tuned filter 54 may be replaced by,fir example, a high pass filter for passing the UHF band and higherfrequency range.

Even if the signals output from the frequency divider 402 have phaseerrors, the vector adders compensate the phase error, hence providingsignals different in phase by 90 degrees throughout a wide frequencyrange accurately. As a result, the RF receiver suppressing interferenceeven when receiving a signal in the UHF band is provided.

In the RF receiver of Embodiment 2, a dividing ratio of the frequencydivider 366 is determined to be ½ while the oscillation frequency of thelocal oscillator 356 ranges substantially from 720 MHz to 1800 MHz. TheRF receiver, since having the image rejection mixer, can suppress imageinterfering even if passing bands of the tuned filters are not matchedwith the frequency of received signals. This permits the tuned-filtersnot to have a large attenuation for signals which may cause the imageinterfering.

(Exemplary Embodiment 3)

According to Exemplary Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a VHFsignal receiver section 61 of a radio-frequency (RF) receiver ofEmbodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 employs an image rejection mixer forreceiving a VHF high band and employs a harmonic rejection mixer forreceiving a VHF low band.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the RF receiver of Embodiment 3. The samecomponents as those of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by thesame reference numerals and will be explained in no more detail. An RFsignal having a frequency ranging from 55.25 MHz to 801.25 MHz is inputto an input terminal 51 A UHF band receiver section 560 includes asingle-tuned filter 52, an RF amplifier 53, a double-tuned filter 54, amixer 55, and an intermediate frequency filter 58.

A VHF band receiver section 561 connected to the input terminal 51receives signals in a VHF band ranging from 55.25 MHz to 361.25 MHz. TheVHF band receiver section 561 includes a single-tuned filter 62, an RFamplifier 63, a low pass filter 564, and a mixer 565 connected in thisorder.

The low pass filter 564 allows a signal in the VHF band which is nothigher than 361.25 MHz in a signal output from the RF amplifier 63 topass through the filter.

The mixer 565 has one input connected to an output port 564 a of the lowpass filter 564 and has other input coupled to an output port of thelocal oscillator 56 via a frequency divider 566. The mixer 565 mixes asignal in the VHF band passing through the low pass filter 564 with theoscillation signal from the local oscillator 56 to convert the signalpassing through the low pass filter into an intermediate-frequencysignal (45.75 MHz). The intermediate-frequency signal from the mixer 565is supplied via an output terminal 79 to an intermediate-frequencyfilter 58.

The frequency divider 566 includes a frequency divider 566 b for the VHFlow band and a frequency divider 566 a for the VHF high band. The switch67 switches signals supplied from the local oscillator 56 and thefrequency dividers 566 a and 566 b, and selectively supplies them to themixer 565.

An operation of the RF receiver of Embodiment 2 for receiving atelevision (TV) broadcast signal, which includes the VHF high band andthe VHF low band under the VHF high band, will be described.

The local oscillator 56 generates a signal having an oscillationfrequency ranging from 358 MHz to 814 MHz for receiving signals in theVHF high band and generates a signal having an oscillation frequencyranging from 404 MHz to 692 MHz for receiving signals in the VHF lowband.

When the signals in the VHF high band is received, the oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator 56 is divided to ½ by the frequencydivider 566 a and supplied to the mixer 565 to provide anintermediate-frequency signal of 45.75 MHz. When the signals in the VHFlow band of an NTSC format is received, the oscillation frequency of thelocal oscillator 56 is divided to ¼ by the frequency divider 566 b andsupplied to the mixer 565 to provide an intermediate-frequency signal of45.75 MHz.

The frequency divider 566 and the mixer 565 of Embodiment 3 will now bedescribed in more detail. FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of thefrequency divider 566 and the mixer 565. In FIG. 9, the same componentsas those shown in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals andwill be explained in no more detail.

As shown in FIG. 9, the mixer 565 includes a mixer 65 b, a 90-degreephase shifter 65 c connected to an output port 65 d of the mixer 65 b,and a mixer 65 a connected in parallel with an assembly having the mixer65 b and the 90-degree phase shifter 65 c. The mixer 65 a has one inputport connected to an output port 564 a of the low pass filter 564 andhas other input port connected to an output port of a limiter 206. Themixer 65 b has one input port connected to the output port 564 a of thelow pass filter 564 and has other input port connected to an output portof a limiter 207.

Common ports 67 m of a switch 67 are connected to output ports 201 a and201 b, and ports 67 d of the switch 67 are connected to vector adder 202and 203.

½ frequency dividers 601 and 602 are connected to ports 67 e of theswitch 67 and divide a signal output from the ½ frequency divider 201into ½. The ½ frequency divider 601 receives a signal from the outputport 201 b of the ½ frequency divider 201 via the switch 67. The ½frequency divider 602 receives a signal from the output port 201 a ofthe ½ frequency divider 201 via the switch 67.

Each of the vector adders 603 and 604 receives four signals different inphase by 90 degrees from the ½ frequency divider 601 and vector-addsthem. Each of vector adders 605 and 606 receives four signals differentin phase by 90 degrees from the ½ frequency divider 602 and vector-addsthem.

Limiters 607, 608, 609, and 610 limit levels of signals output from thevector adders 603, 604, 605, and 606 to predetermined levels,respectively. The mixers 565 d, 565 f, 565 h, and 565 j have respectiveone input ports connected to output ports of the limiters 607, 608, 609,and 610, respectively, and have respective other input ports connectedto an output port 564 a of the low pass filter 564.

The mixer 565 d has an output port 565 p connected to a 135-degree phaseshifter 565 e. The mixer 565 f has an output port 565 q connected to a45-degree phase shifter 565 g. The mixer 565 h has an output port 565 rconnected to a 90-degree phase shifter 565 i. Output ports of the phaseshifters 565 e, 565 g, and 565 i and an output port 565 s of the mixer565 j are connected with an output terminal 79.

When a signal in the VHF high band is received, the switch 67 connectsthe common ports 67 m to ports 67 d to supply signals of ½ theoscillation frequency of the local oscillator 56 to the mixers 65 a and65 b.

When a signal in the VHF low band is received, the switch 67 connectsthe common port 67 m to ports 67 e to supply a signal output from the ½frequency divider 201 to the frequency dividers 601 and 602 to provide asignal of ¼ the oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 56.

Operations of the frequency dividers 201, 601, and 602 and the vectoradders 202, 203, 604, 604, 605, and 606 will be explained. FIG. 10illustrates a time chart of signals of the frequency dividers 601 and602. In FIG. 10, the same signals as those shown in FIG. 5 are denotedby the same reference numerals and will be explained in no more detail.

As shown in FIG. 10, signals 1021, 1022, 1023, and 1024 output from thefrequency divider 601 are obtained by frequency-dividing signals 1003and 1004 output from the frequency divider 201. According to Embodiment3, the signal 1021 has a phase of 0 degree, the signal 1022 has a phaseof 90 degrees, the signal 1023 has a phase of 180 degrees, and thesignal 1024 has a phase of 270 degrees.

Signals 1025, 1026, 1027, and 1028 output from the frequency divider 602are obtained by frequency-dividing signals 1005 and 1006 output from thefrequency divider 201. According to Embodiment 3, the signal 1025 has aphase of 45 degrees, the signal 1026 has a phase of 135 degrees, thesignal 1027 has a phase of 225 degrees, and the signal 1028 has a phaseof 315 degrees.

The oscillation frequency of the local oscillator 65 isfrequency-divided, and the vector adders 603, 604, 605, and 606generates signals 1021, 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027, and 1028different in phase by 45 degrees. The vector adder 603 combines thesignal 1022 having the phase of 90 degrees and the signal 1023 havingthe phase of 180 degrees to output a signal having a phase of 135degrees, and combines the signal 1021 having the phase of 0 degrees andthe signal 1024 having the phase of 270 degrees to output a signalhaving a phase of 315 degrees. The vector adder 604 combines the signal1021 having the phase of 0 degrees and the signal 1022 having the phaseof 90 degrees to output a signal having a phase of 45 degrees, andcombines the signal 1023 having the phase of 180 degrees and the signal1024 having the phase of 270 degrees to output a signal having a phaseof 225 degrees. The vector adder 605 combines the signal 1025 having thephase of 45 degrees and the signal 1026 having the phase of 135 degreesto output a signal having a phase of 90 degrees, and combines the signal1027 having the phase of 225 degrees and the signal 1028 having thephase of 315 degrees to output a signal having a phase of 270 degrees.The vector adder 606 combines the signal 1025 having the phase of 45degrees and the signal 1028 having the phase of 315 degrees to output asignal having a phase of 0 degrees, and combines the signal 1026 havingthe phase of 135 degrees and the signal 1027 having the phase of 225degrees to output a signal having a phase of 180 degrees.

As described above, the frequency dividers 201, 601, and 602 function asphase shifters. When a signal in the VHF high band is received, themixers 565 a and 565 b form an image rejection mixer (IRM). When asignal in the VHF low band is received, the mixers 565 d, 565 f, 565 h,and 565 j form a harmonic rejection mixer (HRM). Such arrangement in theRF receiver of Embodiment 3 can suppress image interfering components inthe VHF high band and suppress interfering in the VHF low band due tohigh-order harmonic interfering components output from the localoscillator. The HRM according to Embodiment 3 is implemented by the fourmixers, hence suppressing harmonics not five times greater than afrequency of a signal output from the frequency divider 566 b for theVHF low band.

In the RF receiver including the local oscillator and the frequencydividers, the frequency dividers for the VHF low band have dividingratio smaller than those of the frequency dividers for the VHF highband. This provides the IRM for the VHF high band, and the HRM for theVHF low band, in which harmonic interfering occurs.

Since image interference components and harmonic interfering aresuppressed by the IRM and HRM, the RF receiver of Embodiment 3 canincludes a low pass filter. The HRM provided for the VHF low bandreduces influences to signals in the VHF high band, in which theharmonic components cause the interfering. It is hence unnecessary toinclude a low pass filter for the VHF low band, and the HRM function isimplemented by only the VHF low pass filter 564 having a fixed cut-offfrequency, hence allowing the RF receiver not to include the complicatedtuned filters and to be inexpensive. The low pass filter having thefixed cut-off frequency reduces a loss of a signal in a desired banc,hence improving a CN ratio of the RF receiver.

The ½ frequency dividers 201, 205, 601, and 602 of Embodiment 3 may beimplemented by flip-flop circuits having simple structures, hence beingassembled in an integrated circuit easily.

Even if the signals output from the frequency dividers 201, 205, 601,and 602 contain phase errors, the vector adders 202, 203, 603, 604, 605,and 606 provides the signals different in phase accurately. Therefore,signals accurately different in phase are obtained even in a widefrequency band, such as the VHF band, hence suppressing the imageinterfering and harmonic components stably.

According to Embodiment 3, the oscillator 71, the switches 67 and 77,the frequency divider 566, the mixers 55 and 565, and the PLL circuit 78are integrated in a package 2002 to be integrated as an integratedcircuit. This arrangement reduces the overall size of the RF receiver.

The frequency divider 566, upon having a dividing ratio of ⅓, can raisean oscillation frequency of the oscillator 56. The oscillator 56 has ahigh oscillation frequency particularly for the VHF low band.Accordingly, an inductor in the oscillator 56 can have a small size,hence being accommodated in the integrated circuit.

(Exemplary Embodiment 4)

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of frequency dividers and mixers according toExemplary Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the samecomponents as those shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8 are denoted by the samereference numerals and will be explained in no more detail. In an imagerejection mixer (IRM) according to Embodiment 4, a switch 701 isconnected between an output port 201 b of a ½ frequency divider 201 anda port 67 b of a switch 67 of an IRM of Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 4.Common ports 701 c of the switch 701 are connected to output ports ofthe ½ frequency divider 201, and ports 701 a are connected to ports 67 bof the switch 67. Port 701 b of the switch 701 is connected to an inputport of the ½ frequency divider 601. The switch 701 is activated withswitches 67 and 204.

When a signal in the VHF high band is received, the switch 701 connectsthe common ports 701 c to the ports 701 a, and the switch 204 connectscommon ports 204 c to the ports 204 a. Simultaneously, the switch 67connects the common ports 67 m to ports 67 b. Accordingly, a localoscillator 56, the ½ frequency divider 201, vector adders 202 and 204,limiters 206 and 207, mixers 65 a and 65 b, and a 90-degree phaseshifter 65 c forms an IRM.

When a signal in the VHF low band is received, the switch 701 connectscommon ports 701 c to ports 701 b, and the switch 204 connects commonports 204 c to ports 204 b. Simultaneously, the switch 67 connectscommon ports 67 m to ports 67 c. Accordingly, the local oscillator 56, ½frequency dividers 201, 205, and 601, vector adders 202, 203, 603, and604, limiters 206, 207, 607, and 608, mixers 65 a, 65 b, 565 b, and 565f, and phase shifters 65 c, 565 e, and 565 g form a harmonic rejectionmixer (HRM).

The RF receiver of Embodiment 4 having the above described arrangementoperates as the HRM for receiving signals in the VHF low band andoperates as the IRM for receiving signals in the VHF high band. Thisallows the mixer 65 to be commonly used within a whole frequency rangeof the VHF band. Accordingly, the RF receiver has a small circuitryarrangement and a small overall size.

According to Embodiment 4, when s signal in the VHF band is received,the switch 701 connects the common ports 701 c to the ports 701 b and,the switch 204 connects the common ports 204 c to the ports 204 b.Simultaneously, the switch 67 connects the common ports 67 m to theports 67 c.

In the RF receiver of Embodiment 4, ordinarily, the switch 701 mayconnect the common ports 701 c to the ports 701 a, the switch 204 mayconnect the common ports 204 c to the ports 204 a, and the switch 67 mayconnects the common ports 67 m to the ports 67 b. This operation allowsthe local oscillator 56, the ½ frequency divider 201, the vector adders202 and 203, the limiters 206 and 207, the mixers 65 a and 65 b, and the90-degree phase shifter 65 c to operate as the IRM in both the VHF highband and the VHF low band In this case, a value indicating quality ofsignals, such as bit error rates after decoding process, may bemonitored. Only when the value is lower than a predetermined level, theswitch 701 may connect the common ports 701 c to the ports 701 b, andthe switch 204 may connect the common ports 204 c to the ports 204 b.Then, the switch 67 may connect the common ports 67 m to the ports 67 c.This allows the local oscillator, the frequency divider, the vectoradders, the limiters, the mixers, and the phase shifter to form the HRM.In this case, the local oscillator 56, the ½ frequency divider 201, thevector adders 202 and 203, the limiters 206 and 207, the mixers 65 a and65 b, and the 90-degree phase shifter 65 c ordinarily operate as theIRM, hence reducing the number of operating portions and powerconsumption. Hence, the RF receiver of Embodiment 4 is suitable for aportable receiver.

1. A radio-frequency (RF) receiver comprising: an input terminal forreceiving an RF signal in a first frequency band and an RF signal in asecond frequency band lower than the first frequency band; a first tunedfilter connected with the input terminal and allowing a signal of apassing frequency in the RF signal in the first frequency band to passthrough the first tuned filter; a local oscillator; a frequency dividerfor frequency-dividing a signal output from the local oscillator; afirst mixer operable to mix a signal output from the first tuned filterwith the signal output from the local oscillator to convert the signaloutput from the first tuned filter into a signal of an intermediatefrequency; a second tuned filter connected with the input terminal andallowing a signal of a passing frequency of the RF signal in the secondfrequency band to pass through the second tuned filter; a second mixeroperable to mix a signal output from the second tuned filter with asignal output from the frequency divider to convert the signal outputfrom the second tuned filter into a signal of the intermediatefrequency; an output terminal for outputting the signals of theintermediate frequency output from the first mixer and the second mixer;and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit operable to control an oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator, the passing frequency of the firsttuned filter, and the passing frequency of the second tuned filter,wherein the signal output from the frequency divider contains a firstoutput signal and a second output signal different in phase by 90degrees from the first output signal, the first and second output signalbeing produced by frequency-dividing the signal output from the localoscillator, wherein the second mixer includes a third mixer operable tomix the signal output from the second tuned filter with the first outputsignal of the frequency divider, a first phase shifter operable to shifta signal output from the third mixer in phase by 90 degrees, and afourth mixer operable to mix the signal output from the second tunedfilter with the second output signal of the frequency divider, andwherein a signal output from the fourth mixer and a signal output fromthe first phase shifter are output from the output terminal.
 2. The RFreceiver according to claim 1, wherein the local oscillator includes anoscillator section operable to generate the signal output from the localoscillator, an oscillation frequency adjuster section operable to changethe oscillation frequency of the oscillator, a series assembly connectedwith the oscillator section, the series assembly having a first variablecapacitance diode and a first capacitor connected in series with eachother; and an inductor connected in parallel with the series assembly,wherein the first tuned filter includes a second variable capacitancediode, wherein the second tuned filter includes a third variablecapacitance diode, and wherein the PLL circuit is operable to supplytuning voltages to the first variable capacitance diode, the secondvariable capacitance diode, and the third variable capacitance diode. 3.The RF receiver according to claim 2, wherein the oscillation frequencyadjuster section is operable to allow the oscillator section to generatea signal of a first predetermined frequency when said RF receiverreceives a signal in the first frequency band, and allow the oscillationsection to change the oscillation frequency to output a signal of asecond predetermined frequency when said RF receiver receives a signalin the second frequency band.
 4. The RF receiver according to claim 2,wherein the oscillation frequency adjuster section includes a secondcapacitor connected in parallel with the first variable capacitancediode, and a capacitance adjuster section connected with the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor, the capacitance adjuster sectionbeing operable to change capacitances of the first capacitor and thesecond capacitor in response to a frequency band to be received.
 5. TheRF receiver according to claim 4, wherein the first capacitor comprisesa third capacitor and a fourth capacitor connected in parallel with thethird capacitor, and wherein the capacitance adjuster section isoperable to switch a capacitance of the fourth capacitor in response tothe frequency band to be received.
 6. The RF receiver according to claim5, wherein the fourth capacitor comprises a plurality of capacitors, andwherein the capacitance adjuster section is connected with at least oneof the plurality of capacitors to switch the capacitance of the fourthcapacitor.
 7. The RF receiver according to claim 4, wherein the secondcapacitor includes a plurality of capacitors, and wherein thecapacitance adjuster section is connected with at least one of theplurality of capacitors to switch a capacitance of the second capacitor.8. The RF receiver according to claim 2, wherein the first variablecapacitance diode, the second variable capacitance diode, and the thirdvariable capacitance diode have capacitance-changing characteristicssubstantially equal to each other.
 9. The RF receiver according to claim8, wherein changing ratios of respective capacitances of the first tothird variable capacitance diodes are substantially equal to a changingratio of a capacitance corresponding to a widest frequency band of thefirst frequency band and the second frequency band.
 10. The RF receiveraccording to claim 1, wherein the second frequency band includes a VHFhigh band, and wherein, when said RF receiver receives a signal in theVHF high band, a dividing rate of the frequency divider is determined tobe ½, and the oscillation frequency of the local oscillator ranges from360 MHz to 900 MHz.
 11. The RF receiver according to claim 1, whereinthe second frequency band includes a VHF low band, and wherein, whensaid RF receiver receives a signal in the VHF low band, a dividing rateof the frequency divider is determined to be ¼, and the oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator ranges from 360 MHz to 900 MHz. 12.The RF receiver according to claim 1, wherein the second frequency bandincludes a VHF low band, and wherein, when said RF receiver receives asignal in the VHF low band, a dividing rate of the frequency divider isdetermined to be ⅕, and the oscillation frequency of the localoscillator ranges from 360 MHz to 900 MHz.
 13. The RF receiver accordingto claim 1, wherein a signal output from the frequency divider issupplied to the PLL circuit when said RF receiver receives a signal inthe second frequency band.
 14. The RF receiver according to claim 1,wherein the first mixer includes a fifth mixer operable to mix thesignal output from the first tuned filter with the first output signalof the frequency divider, a second phase shifter operable to shift asignal output from the fifth mixer in phase by 90 degrees, and a sixthmixer operable to mix the signal output from the first tuned filter withthe second output signal of the frequency divider, and wherein a signaloutput from the sixth mixer and a signal output from the second phaseshifter are output from the output terminal.
 15. The RF receiveraccording to claim 1, further comprising a switch connected with thefrequency divider for switching a dividing ratio of the frequencydivider in response to a frequency band to be received.
 16. Aradio-frequency (RF) receiver comprising: an input terminal forreceiving an RF signal in a first frequency band and an RF signal in thea second frequency band lower than the first frequency band; a firsttuned filter connected with the input terminal and allowing a signal ofa passing frequency in the RF signal in the first frequency band to passthrough the first tuned filter; a local oscillator; a frequency dividerfor frequency-dividing a signal output from the local oscillator; afirst mixer operable to mix a signal output from the first tuned filterwith the signal output from the local oscillator to convert the signaloutput from the first tuned filter into a signal of an intermediatefrequency; a second tuned filter connected with the input terminal andallowing a signal of a passing frequency in the RF signal in the secondfrequency band to pass through the second tuned filter; a second mixeroperable to mix a signal output from the second tuned filter with asignal output from the frequency divider to convert the signal outputfrom the second tuned filter into a signal of an intermediate frequency;an output terminal for outputting the signals of the intermediatefrequency from the first mixer and the second mixer; and aphase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit operable to control an oscillationfrequency of the local oscillator, the passing frequency of the firsttuned filter, and the passing frequency of the second tuned filter,wherein the signal output from the frequency divider contains at leastthree signals which are different in phase from each other and aregenerated by frequency-dividing the signal output from the localoscillator, and wherein the second mixer comprises a harmonic rejectionmixer including at least three mixers, said at least three mixersreceiving said at least three signals generated by the frequencydivider, respectively.
 17. The RF receiver according to claim 16,wherein a dividing ratio of the frequency divider is not greater than ⅓.18. The RF receiver according to claim 16, wherein the first frequencyband of the radio-frequency signal is a UHF band, and the secondfrequency band is a VHF band.
 19. The RF receiver according to claim 16,further comprising a switch connected with the frequency divider and forswitching a dividing ratio of the frequency divider in response to afrequency band to be received.
 20. A radio-frequency (RF) receivercomprising: an input terminal for receiving an RF signal in a firstfrequency band and an RF signal in a second frequency band lower thanthe first frequency band; a tuned filter connected with the inputterminal and allowing the RF signals to pass through the tuned filter; alocal oscillator; a frequency divider for frequency-dividing a signaloutput from the local oscillator; a first mixer operable to mix the RFsignal in the first frequency band output from the tuned filter with asignal output from the frequency divider to convert the RF signal in thefirst frequency band output from the tuned filter into a signal of anintermediate frequency; a second mixer operable to mix the RF signal inthe second frequency band output from the tuned filter with the signaloutput from the frequency divider to convert the RF signal in the secondfrequency band output from the tuned filter into a signal of theintermediate frequency; an output terminal for outputting the signals ofthe intermediate frequency output from the first mixer and the secondmixer; a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit operable to control anoscillation frequency of the local oscillator and a passing frequency ofthe tuned filter; and a switch for switching a dividing ratio of thefrequency divider in response to a frequency band to be received,wherein the signal output from the frequency divider contains a firstoutput signal and a second output signal different in phase by 90degrees from the first output signal, the first and second output signalbeing produced by frequency dividing the signal output from the localoscillator, wherein the first mixer includes a third mixer operable tomix the RF signal in the first frequency band output from the tunedfilter with the first output signal of the frequency divider, a firstphase shifter for shifting a signal output from of the third mixer inphase by 90 degrees, and a fourth mixer operable to mix the RF signal inthe first frequency band output from the tuned filter with the secondoutput signal of the frequency divider, wherein the second mixerincludes a fifth mixer operable to mix the RF signal in the secondfrequency band output from the tuned filter and the first output signalof the frequency divider, a second phase shifter for shifting a signaloutput from of the fifth mixer in phase by 90 degrees, and a sixth mixeroperable to mix the RF signal in the second frequency band output fromthe tuned filter with the second output signal of the frequency divider,and wherein signals output from the fourth mixer, the first phaseshifter, the sixth mixer, and the second mixer are output from theoutput terminal.
 21. The RF receiver according to claim 20, wherein thefirst frequency band and second frequency band comprise a VHF high bandand a VHF low band, respectively, wherein the oscillating frequency ofthe local oscillator ranges from 360 MHz to 900 MHz, and wherein theswitch is operable to determine the dividing ratio of the frequencydivider to be ½ when said RF receiver receives the RF signal in thefirst frequency band, and to be ¼ when said RF receiver receives the RFsignal in the second frequency band.
 22. The RF receiver according toclaim 20, wherein the frequency divider includes: a first fixedfrequency divider for frequency-dividing a frequency of the signaloutput from the local oscillator into ½; and a second fixed frequencydivider connected in series with the first fixed frequency divider, andwherein the switch is operable to supply a signal output from the firstfixed frequency divider selectively to one of the second fixed frequencydivider and the first mixer.
 23. A radio-frequency (RF) receivercomprising: an input terminal for receiving an RF signal in a firstfrequency band and an RF signal in a second frequency band lower thanthe first frequency band; a first tuned filter connected with the inputterminal and allowing a signal of a passing frequency in the RF signalin the first frequency band to pass through the first tuned filter; alocal oscillator; a frequency divider for frequency dividing a signaloutput from the local oscillator; a first mixer for mixing a signaloutput from the first tuned filter with the signal output from the localoscillator to convert the signal output from the first tuned filter intoa signal of an intermediate frequency; a second tuned filter connectedwith the input terminal and allowing a signal of a passing frequency inthe RF signal in the second frequency band to pass through the secondtuned filter; a second mixer for mixing a signal output from the secondtuned filter with the signal output from the frequency divider toconvert the signal output from the second tuned filter into a signal ofthe intermediate frequency; an output terminal for outputting thesignals of the intermediate frequency output from the first mixer andthe second mixer; and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit operable tocontrol an oscillation frequency of the local oscillator and the passingfrequencies of the first tuned filter and the second tuned filter,wherein the first mixer comprises an image rejection mixer including aphase shifter and two mixers, and wherein the second mixer comprises aharmonic rejection mixer including a phase shifter and at least threemixers.
 24. The RF receiver according to claim 23, wherein the secondfrequency band is a VHF low band.
 25. The RF receiver according to claim24, wherein a dividing rate of the frequency divider is not greater than⅓.
 26. An integrated circuit adapted to be used in a radio-frequency(RF) receiver for receiving an RF signal in a first frequency band andan RF signal in a second frequency band lower than the first frequencyband, said integrated circuit comprising: a package; a local oscillatoraccommodated in the package; a frequency divider accommodated in thepackage, for frequency-dividing a signal output from the localoscillator; a first mixer accommodated in the package and being operableto mix a signal in the first frequency band with the signal output fromthe local oscillator to convert the signal in the first frequency bandinto a signal of an intermediate frequency; a second mixer accommodatedin the package and being operable to mix a signal in the secondfrequency band with the signal output from the frequency divider toconvert the signal in the second frequency band into a signal of theintermediate frequency, an output terminal for outputting the signals ofthe intermediate frequency output from the first mixer and the secondmixer, and a phase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit accommodated in the packageand being operable to control an oscillation frequency of the localoscillator, wherein the signal output from the frequency dividercontains a first output signal and a second output signal different inphase by 90 degrees from the first output signal, the first and secondoutput signals being produced by frequency-dividing the signal outputfrom the local oscillator, wherein the second mixer includes a thirdmixer operable to mix a signal output from a tuned filter with the firstoutput signal of the frequency divider, a first phase shifter forshifting a signal output from the third mixer I phase by 90 degrees, anda fourth mixer operable to mix the signal output from the tuned filterwith the second output signal of the frequency divider, and whereinsignals output from the fourth mixer and the first phase shifter areoutput from the output terminal.
 27. The integrated circuit according toclaim 26, wherein the local oscillator includes an oscillator sectionfor generating the signal output from the local oscillator, and anoscillation frequency adjuster section operable to change an oscillationfrequency of the signal generated by the oscillator section, a seriesassembly connected with the oscillator, the series assembly including afirst variable capacitance diode and a first capacitor connected inseries with each other, and an inductor connected in parallel with theseries assembly.
 28. The integrated circuit according to claim 27,wherein the oscillating frequency adjuster section includes a secondcapacitor connected in parallel with the first variable capacitancediode, and wherein said local oscillator further includes a capacitanceadjuster section operable to change capacitances of the first capacitorand the second capacitor according to a frequency band to be received.29. The integrated circuit according to claim 28, wherein the firstcapacitor comprises a third capacitor and a fourth capacitor connectedin parallel with the third capacitor, wherein the capacitance adjustersection is operable to switch between the third capacitor and the fourthcapacitor according to a frequency band to be received, and wherein thecapacitor adjuster section includes a first port and a second portconnected with both ends of the inductor, respectively, a third portlocated between the first port and the second port and connected withthe second capacitor, and a fourth port located between the first portand the second port and connected with the fourth capacitor.
 30. Anintegrated circuit adapted to be used in a radio-frequency (RF) receiverfor receiving an RF signal in a first frequency band and an RF signal ina second frequency band lower than the first frequency band, saidintegrated circuit comprising: a package; a local oscillatoraccommodated in the package; a frequency divider accommodated in thepackage, for frequency-dividing a signal output from the localoscillator; a first mixer accommodated in the package and being operableto mix a signal in the first frequency band with the signal output fromthe local oscillator to convert the signal in the first frequency bandinto a signal of an intermediate frequency; a second mixer accommodatedin the package and being operable to mix a signal in the secondfrequency band with a signal output from the frequency divider toconvert the signal in the second frequency band into a signal of theintermediate frequency; an output terminal for output the signals of theintermediate frequency from the first mixer and the second mixer; and aphase-locked-loop (PLL) circuit accommodated in the package and beingoperable to control an oscillation frequency of the local oscillator;wherein the first mixer comprises an image rejection mixer including aphase shifter and a plurality of mixers, and wherein the second mixercomprises a harmonic rejection mixer including at least two phaseshifter and at least three mixers.